September 23, 2008
SOULFULLY delightful...see this the go to "Dreamgirls"... as a follow up...you will...float on a soulful cloud. See it!
Robert Townsend,
Michael Wright,
Leon,
Harry J. Lennix,
Tico Wells
... see more 
Loosely based on the life and times of several R&B artists (The Dells, The Temptations, Frankie Lymon, Sam Cooke and others) The Five Heartbeats traces the rise and fall of a popular African-American ... read more
DVD Release Date: January 22, 2002
Stats: 1,166 reviews
Your Rating
Flixster Reviews (1,166)
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November 8, 2009Well made, but it?s a little to predictable to be a great film. Great music, the period detail is fair. The performances are fine, perhaps a bit melodramatic, but overall everyone does well. Very entertaining and it always held my interest.
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July 8, 2008WILL MICHAEL WRIGHT EVER BREAK THE TYPE-CASTED DRUG ABUSER? HE'S EITHER A THUG OR DRUG USER IN HIS MOVIES, BUT THIS WAS A GOOD TALE OF MUSICIANS WHO MADE IT ONLY TO BREAK IT. BLAME THE REC EXECS.
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May 28, 2008Ready to be a classic. What a great story, based on a real story. Robert Townsend made his momma proud with this one!
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December 27, 2007loved it....stardom can sometimes get u down if u let it go to your head....a good movie......seen it more than 5 times......
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August 7, 2007i love the 5 heartbeats, i used to watch it every night. it is very inspiring, sad, and wonderful all in one. see it if you didn't already....
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June 1, 2007this is one of the best music stories the music was great, the steps and the whole plot to the movie it's a must see movie
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May 25, 2007This is a great work of art. It is a wonderful compulation of the music industry in the 50's through the 70's. Robert Townsend did a excellent job of directing, and the acting was superb. However, it mimics the life of the Temptations. Which, was finally released years after t... read more
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May 22, 2007The music draws you into this movie... but the characters and their story lines keeps you in. It shows all types of the black man in a very positive and uplifting manner.
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May 6, 2007this movie sis so reel. u have to see it to get it . i dunno hwo true it is though. i liked his other movie hollyqwood shuffel but i liket his better.
Critic Reviews
February 22, 2011
Renee Schonfeld, Common Sense Media
February 5, 2006
Scott Weinberg, DVDTalk.com
The charitable might be tempted to describe The Five Heartbeats as wholesome and well-intentioned -- but so is a 6-year-old who just crayon-scrawled "I love cookies" on the living room wall. Full Review
October 19, 2004
Bob Bloom, Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN)
An underrated drama about the ups and downs of a Temptations-like r&b group with solid acting and fine music. If you haven't seen it, rent it. It's worth it.
May 12, 2001
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone
No review available.
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The Five Heartbeats
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